"As the party leader and National Elections Board (NEB) have repeatedly assured our members throughout the country, the party primaries will be competitive, free, fair and democratic. No seat has been reserved for direct ticket," he said in a statement on Wednesday, March 1.

He added that the party had been alarmed by reports that some people were masquerading as being in position to award or influence the award of party tickets for the purposes of participation in the August General elections.

"Our members and supporters are reminded that only the NEB is mandated to manage the party's elections and nominations and bound to ensure that those elections or nominations are conducted in an environment of fairness, transparency and freedom from manipulation," added Oduor.

He added that the NEC members, branch officials, sitting governors and MPs have absolutely no role in the choice of party candidates and urged party members to expose and shun those purporting to offer direct tickets.